PARIS — The fall show by Stella McCartney was a powerful ode to the nuanced dynamics of modern femininity, showcasing a collection that deftly merged the worlds of corporate ambition and nightlife allure. Taking place at the creatively branded ‘Stella Corp’ offices in Paris, the show was a vivid representation of the fluid transition between business and leisure, embodied in a collection provocatively titled “Laptop to Lapdance.” The designs paid homage to the 1980s phenomenon of power dressing, redefining it for the twenty-first century with a unique blend of elegance and sensuality.
Among the notable attendees absorbed in the atmosphere were Cameron Diaz, Jeff Koons, Olivia Colman, Kate Moss, Richard E. Grant, and French First Lady Brigitte Macron, all mingling amid the set’s authentic office decor, complete with buzzing PCs and water coolers. This star-studded audience added a layer of glamour befitting the bustling excitement that defines Paris Fashion Week.
Diaz expressed her excitement, stating her long-standing appreciation and support for McCartney’s work. Meanwhile, the highly immersive office setting—inclusive of whirring computers, strategically placed notepads, and even pole dancers—captured the attention of both the audience and industry insiders, sparking a mixed sense of curiosity and admiration.
At the heart of the collection was McCartney’s innovative take on power dressing, which combined sharp, authoritative lines with elements of soft, seductive appeal. The double-breasted gray suits, notable for their oversized, relaxed fit, offered a modern twist by juxtaposing tailored precision with bare simplicity. The added element of 1980s-inspired bold shoulders further enhanced this authoritative aesthetic, while lower waist trousers lent an air of casual elegance. The contrasting interplay of structured and flowing garments, alongside designs with artfully draped fabrics and cinched waists, disrupted conventional notions of workwear.
McCartney imagined the office not merely as a workplace, but a transformative, dynamic space where power is both expressed and embraced. This was evident in the inclusion of striking vegan boots with glossy finishes, infusing the collection with a daring allure. Accessories such as oversized faux fur coats, eye-catching chaps, and the classic Falabella bag enhanced this vision, blending fun with functionality.
The runway presentation was a celebration of contrasts—straddling the lines between the masculine and the feminine, the professional and the personal, control and carefree spontaneity. Models navigated through the office setup, reinforcing McCartney’s belief in the seamless balance between power and pleasure in a woman’s life, reflected in a wardrobe that evolves throughout the day.
Sustainability anchored this collection, with 96% of materials used being eco-conscious, including recycled silk and forest-friendly viscose, aligning with McCartney’s vision of uniting style with sustainability. Her recent move to reclaim full ownership of her brand was highlighted in the personal investment she made in this collection, which she regards as her first truly independent outing since her college days.
For McCartney, the notion of day-to-night versatility remains integral to her brand philosophy, hoping to support women in attire that suits both business meetings and social nights. She humorously referenced the multi-functional boots, hinting at their empowering and effortless appeal.
In closing, amid the light-hearted environment, McCartney acknowledged the relentless nature of the fashion industry, extending her gratitude by inviting attendees to take home a piece of the fictitious office. She quipped about the importance of hard work—a sentiment that resonates across industries—while playfully encouraging guests to leave with pens and staplers as mementoes from her imaginative set.
